College Student Destinations: 10 Spring Break Ideas

After weeks of waking up before 8 AM, regular quizzes and exams, study sessions that take half the night, and extracurriculars on top of it all, the life of a college student can be high-paced and challenging. Once midterms are over with, it’s a great option to take off for a spring break adventure. There are many destinations that are entertaining and exciting while being easy on the wallet, which makes them ideal for tired college students. We’ll look at 10 of the best spring break ideas out there so you can make your plans and be ready when the time comes.

Panama City Beach is located right along the Gulf of Mexico and always brings in thousands of college students looking for a break from studying. If you head down to Florida for your week off, make sure to check out the Beach Bash Music Festival, which is a daytime beach party with thousands of students from across the country. If that isn’t your thing, you can also enjoy water sports, nightclubs and resorts. No matter where you land in Panama City Beach, you’re sure to have a fantastic week and memories that last a lifetime. There’s a reason that people have dubbed Panama City Beach the spring break capital of the world. It’s worth heading down and experiencing it at least once during your college career.

If you prefer a beautiful spring break in foreign lands, you may want to consider Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This is a frequent destination for spring break, which means if you plan ahead, you can find an excellent package with your flight, hotel room and restaurant reservations waiting for you when the weather gets warm. One of the most unique experiences to enjoy in Punta Cana is snorkeling in the bright, clear blue waters. You can also try out the delicious cuisine of the Dominican Republic while hanging out with friends, new and old. There are also the usual parties, clubs and concerts for you to enjoy when you feel up to the experience. If you really want to be crazy, think about checking out one of the spring break party boats that dot the shoreline while you’re out of classes.

Another fun destination that is always popular is none other than Las Vegas, Nevada. You can find some great deals on food by taking advantage of the hundreds of buffets that the city is known for. Enjoy lounging by the hotel pool in the evening, followed by a trip to one of the top clubs in the city, such as TAO, located in the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. If you choose to book in advance, you can get a luxurious room for a bargain along with other amenities. This city is packed with other students during spring break so you can party and enjoy the unique culture found in Las Vegas. Make sure you take some time out to order an In-N-Out burger and check out the fountain shows located at the Bellagio.

When you think about the upcoming spring break, you may not think about Texas at first. However, that should change because South Padre Island is an excellent destination for college students. You can expect to find loads of parties alongside plenty of concerts to enjoy. Make sure you don’t miss the Spring Break Ultimate Daily Beach Party, which is located right behind the Isla Grand Beach Resort. Those who aren’t big on partying will also find plenty to do. You can lounge on the beach, spend days swimming, view sea turtles or even go on a dolphin viewing trip. You can also hit up Gravity Park, an astounding theme park that caters to adults. You’ll find exciting rides and entertainment to fill your days.

The only state to be featured twice on our 10 best spring break ideas is Florida. In addition to hitting up Panama City Beach, thousands of students venture to Miami to enjoy the time off from studies. You can hit up South Beach one way and Miami Beach another. Key West is also in the area if you want to experience the southern tip of the state. Fun things to do there include sailing, snorkeling and kayaking. You may even come across some dolphins in your travels. This is a classic destination where you can meet new friends while enjoying the beach and all the parties you can handle. Take time to check out a belly dancing, Brazilian Samba or Cuban Congo performance.

If you enjoy the idea of Hollywood with all of its glitz and glamour, you may want to make your destination the West Coast. More specifically, Santa Monica Beach is the perfect stop for your spring break fun. There are multiple beaches in the area where you can swim, surf or soak up the sun’s rays. If you prefer music, there are also great clubs with world-class DJs who put on a show you will never forget. You can enjoy your hotel pool, take a tour of your favorite studio or even walk down some of the hiking trails found in this area. The sky is the limit with Santa Monica Beach since you can enjoy anything from a whale watching tour to a tour of Madame Tussauds or Universal Studios.

Another fun location for those who want to step off the beaten path is Negril in Jamaica. There’s nothing more exciting than visiting the Caribbean when you have no classes and no cares. If you choose to enjoy Jamaica, the adventurous should make sure to visit Negril Cliffs, where you can jump off into the stunning blue water. Another fun option is booking a waterfall tour at Mayfield Falls. For those less prone to exploration, there are plenty of nightclubs, parties and restaurants you can experience while you’re on the island. Try Margaritaville, the Jungle Night Club or Roots Bamboo for a great time. Another fun entertainment option is a sunset party cruise where you can drink, enjoy music and take in the scenic cliffs of Negril.

Sometimes you want to take a trip for spring break, but you want it to be away from the typical party destinations. The Grand Canyon is a fantastic option for a more low-key experience. There’s tons of beautiful wildlife and a landscape you can explore the entire week you visit. Take all your friends and go hiking or camping or both. You could also reserve a hotel room and examine the lesser-known crannies of the location. Even enjoying a drive alongside the desert will be something you remember years later. There are tons of tour guides who can make sure you get a chance to see the things that matter most to you so you can maximize your enjoyment in a short time.

Just south of the United States is a significant hub for spring break revelers in Cancun, Mexico. Cancun may be one of the first places you think of when spring break planning starts, but there’s a good reason for that. You can check out Chichen Itza, which is a significant Mayan ruin, during the day and step out for a night on the town at Senor Frogs for drinks and fun. Besides that, you can enjoy pool and beach parties every day, along with music festivals that feature world-class entertainers. If you want to relax, you also have beautiful beaches where you can spend your time.

Want to stick to the U.S. but take the trip of a lifetime? Maui in Hawaii could be the perfect stop for you when spring break comes around. This is often less of a party destination than it is somewhere to enjoy the surf and sun. If you enjoy athletic sports, you can try surfing, rent a kayak or canoe, or get a lesson in stand-up paddling. Hawaii also has an ecosystem different from anywhere else on earth, perfect for visiting wildlife or taking beautiful photos. Or you can just hang out at your hotel, enjoying the pool and the fantastic food that the island is known for. Some other experiences you shouldn’t miss out on include scuba diving with the manta rays, snorkeling with turtles and enjoying a whale watching tour.

There’s no time like the present to start planning your next spring break adventure. This guide should give you some great ideas on where to visit on vacation to get away from the academics and stress. The most important thing is to find somewhere that offers the entertainment and relaxation that you most enjoy. You want spring break to be a fun, exciting week where everything else fades away. Whether that means taking a flight to Jamaica or driving down to Miami, make sure to consider your interests. If you can get all your friends to tag along, you’re sure to have a fantastic adventure awaiting you.